Podcasts about whole systems design

In this episode from 2011 I was joined by Ben Falk who developed Whole Systems Design, as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. We discussed permaculture, growing rice in cold climates, hill side agriculture, site evaluation, saving money, uncommon crops and more. Today's episode of Friday Flashbacks was originally published on 10-24-11 and was originally Episode-771- Ben Falk on Growing Rice in Cold Climates with Permaculture. The show notes for the original episode with all relevant resources can be found here. Welcome to Friday Flashbacks, after 16 years and … Continue reading →

Gina Riley is a Human Resources professional who sits at the powerful convergence between Career Coaching, Executive Search and Interview Skills Training. She is an authority in career transition and is the creator of the CareerVelocity System™ – a comprehensive solution helping leaders and executives map out their transition strategy to last throughout their career. Gina brings over 25 years of experience from small business to Fortune 50 companies. She has a Master's degree in Whole Systems Design and has held positions in recruitment, management of a 500-student intern program, work on M&A initiatives and served as HR Business Consultant to several executive teams. She developed, designed, and delivered training programs on a wide variety of topics.

Join us for a conversation with Chingona, Lyna Matesi, where she shares her journey about being born to a young teen, learning the power of money through being a carny, how she climbed the corporate later, and how she has become a global leader! Lyna earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, an M.A. in Whole Systems Design focused on change leadership and organizational development from Antioch University, and a B.A. in Leadership and Management from Judson University. Her mission is to encourage, drive, and release herself and others to bridge the gaps between where we are and where we want to be. https://www.nextyouunleashed.com/ www.uwsp.edu/womenlead http://linkedin.com/in/lynamatesi www.uwsp.edu/mba https://www.instagram.com/lynaleads?igsh=MWQ0NWZ3dmp6cjhzcg== https://www.howwomenlead.com/

My guest for this episode is Ben Falk. If you don't know Ben, he's the author of The Resilient Farm and Homestead, 20 Years of Permaculture and Whole Systems Design, which I would describe as THE homesteading manual and is the result of decades of Ben's life in Vermont designing, implementing, and maintaining regenerative polycultures systems. Ben is very well known in the permaculture world, but isn't known so much in the wine world… which seemed a shame to me, as he has immense practical knowledge to share that would be useful to those of us growing wine. We cover many topics, as usual, in this conversation. From the state of the world, to learning how to design your life to be able to spend more time working in the land. And we get practical about many aspects of growing and maintaining fruiting perennials… which is my catch all term for grapes, apples, pears, berries, etc that we use to make wine. I've been thinking a lot about how owners of smaller vineyards can incorporate grazing, since the larger ruminants like sheep and cows are difficult to keep in any significant numbers without a good bit of land. Ben loves working with cows more than sheep, as it turns out, and has some great suggestions about how to protect your fruiting perennials from them. But we also dig into geese, which are also amazing grazers for smaller vineyards and orchards, and have their own nuances, as well as ducks, chickens, fencing, livestock guardian dogs, and more. Also, Ben has some beautiful things to say about mead making and has very much inspired me to consider mead making. Ben asks us to consider resilience in our winemaking. What kind of winegrowing and making can we continue to do indefinitely? What kind of wine makes our land continually healthier and more lush? What kind of winemaking makes our lives happier and more energetic? What kind of winemaking can continue to nourish us regardless of the changing whims and trends of the wine market? I think you'll find that Ben has some great insights into answering these questions. https://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/ Support this episode by subscribing via patreon. Or by donating or taking action at: Beyond Organic Wine Sponsor: Centralas Wine

Josh Pasmore is currently in Mexico and is travelling to find a location for SHUR (Synergy Hub Universal Residencies). Bilingual Spanish with multicultural experience, 22 years experience in business development, funding, management, whole systems design, social architecture, community building, and investments.   Companies Founded: Green Earth Vision, Green Earth City, Coravida, Dharma Code, Tribematch, Project Synergy, SHUR, OmniOne and Pasmore Investments. Josh's long term goals include building a culture based on honor and synergy; one in which coherent collective intelligence is the captain.  Links https://www.omnione.worldhttps://www.tealparadigm.orghttps://www.greenearthvision.org/shur-copy About Vanessa Soul: As an Emotional Healer & Purpose Coach, Vanessa shares her intention to host conversations that will support, spiritual awakenings, consciousness shifts, building new infrastructure for a brand new earth, and having the tough conversations to foster collaboration for the future. Vanessa has been on a soul awakening journey for 7-8 years and has been supporting others in soul awakening since 2021.  Connect with Vanessa Live: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a Discovery Call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for any one on one services or any of the group online communities.  ⁠Linktree- Quick booking links for services! Connect with Vanessa Live: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a Discovery Call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for any one on one services or any of the group online communities.  ⁠Linktree- Quick booking links for services! Connect with Vanessa on Socials: The Sacred Soul Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sacredsoulenergetics.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Vanessa on  Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sacred__soul____/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Follow Vanessa on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.piva.9/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Vanessa on Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@sacred__soul____⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCAST SCHEDULE: New Episode with guest interviews every TUESDAY.  BONUS solo episodes with Vanessa every Saturday.

Despite the popularity of permaculture, homesteading, regen ag, and all these other buzz terms we hear, many of the people promoting these ideas, including myself, are quite new and inexperienced. It's still rare to find people who can offer insight and wisdom from decades or a whole lifetime of living with regenerative systems. Sure, you can still find quite a few hardy old timers who know a lot about resilience and self sufficiency, but even though there is a ton of wisdom to be gleaned from those life experiences I've found many of them lacking in the whole picture, systems level thinking that informs a regenerative world view. I've been lucky enough to interview and highlight some of those voices on this show in the past, and today is another example of a person who's work and life philosophy has been a big inspiration to me. Many of you may know Ben Falk as the developer of Whole Systems Design, LLC, his company created as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and backcountry traveler continually informs Ben's integrative approach to developing landscapes and buildings. His home landscape and the WSD studio site in Vermont's Mad River Valley serve as a proving ground for the regenerative land developments featured in the projects of Whole Systems Design. Ben studied architecture and landscape architecture at the graduate level and holds a master's degree in land-use planning and design. He has conducted more than 650 site development and land inspection consultations across the US and abroad, and has facilitated dozens of courses on property selection, permaculture design, and resilient systems. He has given keynote addresses and presented dozens of workshops at venues ranging from Bioneers to the Omega Institute. Ben is the author of the award-winning book The Resilient Farm and Homestead (Chelsea Green, 2013) and serves as an Advisory Council for the international regeneration group Ecosystem Restoration Camps, which is incidentally how I first got in touch with him back when I worked with that organization. Today we'll be going beyond the typical talking points of regenerative design principles, reading the landscape and life hacks for permaculture enthusiasts, partly because we already went over them in the first interview he and I did together a couple seasons ago. Instead, Ben and I explore the reflections he has on over two decades of living the lifestyle that he designs and promotes for others. We look into the biggest learnings that have come from evolving alongside and in service to perennial food systems as well as what he might do differently if he could go back and redesign things. Ben also explains how his life experience has informed his design work and consultancy for clients, the patterns that have emerged from the endless experiments that he's run, and where his focus is in this stage of life, both in his family and personal life as well as his work on the land. Since I'm only in the second year of designing and building my own farmstead, I find it invaluable to gain insights into all of these reflections almost as a way to peek into one of a million possible futures in hopes of setting a solid foundation and maybe avoid some pitfalls ahead. 

  Donate Directly: via PayPal -or- Venmo @permaculturepodcast   Want to listen to more conversations about Permaculture?  Browse the extensive archives of the show.  My guest for this episode is Ben Falk, owner of Whole Systems Design, LLC, and author of The Resilient Farm and Homestead.   Learn More

In this episode we talk about getting the most out of your woodstove - cooking, baking, hot water, and more. Ben compares rocket mass heaters and masonry stoves to high-efficiency wood stoves, and shares why he uses a wood stove, how he cuts all the wood he needs for a year, manages his woodlot, and shares some wisdom gleaned from over two decades of permaculture homesteading. Check out Ben's workshop on wood stoves here: 2023 Wood Heating Intensive — Whole Systems Design And the new edition of his book The Resilient Farm and Homestead, Revised and Expanded Edition: 20 Years of Permaculture and Whole Systems Design can be found where ever books are sold! Ben developed Whole Systems Design, LLC as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and backcountry traveler continually informs Ben's integrative approach to developing landscapes and buildings. His home landscape and the WSD studio site in Vermont's Mad River Valley serve as a proving ground for the regenerative land developments featured in the projects of Whole Systems Design. Ben studied architecture and landscape architecture at the graduate level and holds a master's degree in land-use planning and design. He has conducted more than 650 site development and land inspection consultations across the US and abroad, and has facilitated dozens of courses on property selection, permaculture design, and resilient systems. He has given keynote addresses and presented dozens of workshops at venues ranging from Bioneers to the Omega Institute. Ben is the author of the award-winning book The Resilient Farm and Homestead (Chelsea Green, 2013) and serves as an Advisory Council for the international regeneration group Ecosystem Restoration Camps. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/plantcunning/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/plantcunning/support

Hello there ROCKSTARS! Welcome to The Entrepreneur Mastery Lab Podcast Episode 138 ~ Ready to Transition Your Career? Do it with High Velocity and Gina Riley This week inside the Lab, we are joined by Gina Riley of Gina Riley Consulting. Gina Riley is an HR professional and authority in career transition. She is the creator of the Career Velocity™ System that helps leaders and executives effectively move into a role where they can create a legacy. She holds a Master's degree in Whole Systems Design, is a certified YouMap® coach, an Executive Search consultant, and conducts Interview Skills and Talent Selection Training.  Riley is a monthly contributor to IndustryExpertMagazine.com and frequently writes and speaks on careers related topics. You can find links to her popular series about networking called “How Your Next Executive Role Finds You“ and dozens of career-related articles on her websites.   How to contact and follow Gina (here's a few ways): Website: http://www.GinaRileyConsulting.com Email: gina@ginarileyconsulting.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/ https://twitter.com/atGinaRiley https://www.facebook.com/GinaRileyConsulting   Freebie Alert! From Gina... Free webinar & career transition workbook (downloadable) to help people create a career transition plan. Totally free - no sales pitch: https://ginarileyconsulting.com/masterclass-series-by-gina-riley/   Need some help with productivity... Check out our 2x Your Time Course that will help you Master your Time and Slay your Day! https://www.jbandthedoctor.com/tmcsp/ Freebies from us!  THE R.I.P. Method to 2x Your Time! A 7 Minute Masterclass 6 Methods To Make Sure Your Business Doesn't Fail     Join our private Facebook Community Group, The Entrepreneur Mastery Lab ~ A Place for Service Professionals to Give & Grow Click for all of our Links and Social Media Please Like, Subscribe and Give Us a Review (5 stars sounds like the best option) 

Episode #290:  Learn how understanding your unique strengths & values help you achieve success in life & career, how awareness of your Executive Presence can help up your game on how people perceive you, and how Thought Leadership is a critical element helping your make career transitions easier.Bio:Gina Riley is an HR professional and authority in career transition. She is the creator of the Career Velocity™ System that helps leaders and executives effectively move into a role where they can create a legacy. She holds a Master's degree in Whole Systems Design, is a certified YouMap® coach, an Executive Search consultant, and conducts Interview Skills and Talent Selection Training.Riley frequently writes and speaks on careers related topics. You can find links to her popular series about networking called “How Your Next Executive Role Finds You“ and dozens of career-related articles on her consulting website and at https://industryexpertmagazine.comContact Gina:Website: https://ginarileyconsulting.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginarileyTwitter: https://twitter.com/atGinaRileyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinaRileyConsulting

This episode features Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School Class of 2005 alumnus Eliot Livingston Wilson, the founder and design lead for FUTUR, a firm developing regenerative affordable housing solutions. Hawthorne Valley's Executive Director, Martin Ping, chatted with Eliot about his exciting venture to find solutions to the interconnected housing and climate crises. They also talked about his family's deeply rooted history in the Hudson Valley and the impact of that history and of Waldorf education on Eliot's chosen career path. Regenerative solutions have been the thread throughout Eliot's work in a range of interconnected fields, including carpentry, UX design, renewable energy systems development, and permaculture landscape design. He aims to realize a truly regenerative future through the development and implementation of holistic and technical innovations that maintain harmony with the earth. Our heartfelt thanks to Tierra Farm for their continued generous support of this podcast. As a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of organic dried fruits and nuts, Tierra Farm is proud to put the people they serve and the planet we share before all else. Learn more at tierrafarm.com. About Eliot Livingston Wilson: As the Founder and Design Lead of FUTUR, the work of Eliot Livingston Wilson is anchored in the applied practices of Regeneration. His passion is rooted in the development and implementation of real solutions to the housing deficit in the context of our ecological crisis. A native of the Hudson Valley, Wilson spent his formative years in Europe where, immersed in a culture that was actively pursuing solutions to the climate crisis and ecocide, he received an education in Architecture and Fine Arts with a concentration in Land-based Sculpture from Alaus University. It was during these 15 years abroad that Wilson developed and designed early prototypes of the holistic building systems now offered by FUTUR.  In 2019 Wilson established FUTUR, developing partnerships with sustainable builders Hudson Valley Timberworks and Restoration and renowned permaculture experts Whole Systems Design. FUTUR is newly-partnered with the Wilhelm Reich Museum in Rangely, Maine for a long-term development project. ABOUT FUTURFUTUR offers regenerative, affordable starter-homes as a real solution to the housing and climate crises. Non-toxic, highly energy-efficient, and intelligently designed for ideal function and flow, FUTUR's dwellings make a life in harmony with Earth possible. Crafted from sustainable materials such as hemp lime, reclaimed lumber, and recycled metal, a FUTUR home does not fight with Nature but collaborates with her. FUTUR is a holistic vision for a new way of living. Join us in the regenerative revolution. Learn more about FUTUR.Thanks for listening to Hawthorne Valley's Roots to Renewal podcast. We are an association comprised of a variety of interconnected initiatives that work collectively to meet our mission. You can learn more about our work by visiting our website at hawthornevalley.org. Hawthorne Valley is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, and we rely on the generosity of people like you to make our work a reality. Please consider making a donation to support us today. If you'd like to help us in other ways, please help us spread the word about this podcast by sharing it with your friends, and leaving us a rating and review.If you'd like to follow the goings-on at the farm and our initiatives, follow us on Instagram!

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the interview process. Making a career change can feel daunting. It's a time of great vulnerability, which tends to activate our impostor syndrome and leave us second-guessing ourselves. My guest this week is Gina Riley, career coach, executive search consultant and interviewing expert. She and I explore many of the challenges we face before, during and after the interview process and how to more confidently and effectively navigate the experience. About My GuestAn authority in career transition, Gina Riley is an HR professional, career transition coach, executive search consultant, and interview skills trainer who applies her expertise working with leaders and executives with her Career Velocity™ System. She holds a master's degree in Whole Systems Design and is a certified YouMap® coach. Riley has authored many articles to include a series called “How Your Next Executive Role Finds You,” and provides access a free Masterclass and printable workbook that outlines how to start a career transition plan. You can find this and more at GinaRileyConsulting.com.~Connect with Gina:To access the free recorded webinar and workbook to aid in the career transition planning process, visit: https://ginarileyconsulting.com/masterclass-series-by-gina-riley/ ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://yourcareersuccess.com/impostor-syndrome-challenge/ Learn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://yourcareersuccess.com/leading-humans-discussion-group/Join the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6 Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-session Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/ Websites:https://yourcareersuccess.comhttps://impostorsyndromefiles.com

Gina Riley was a successful HR professional when she decided to take 15 years off to raise her family. Then, after surviving breast cancer, Gina faced a turning point that was the catalyst to her started a second act. She took her years of expertise in human resources and her own experience in career transition to begin a new chapter as a career transition coach, executive search consultant, and interview skills trainer. Gina now applies her expertise working with leaders and executives with her Career Velocity™ System. She holds a master's degree in Whole Systems Design and is a certified YouMap® coach. I go in-depth with Gina during this discussion to talk about how when life throws you lemons, you make lemonade. Gina has faced every obstacle with force and she is phenomenal. Gina shares her advice and guidance as an authority in career transition on the Second Act Success Podcast.  Riley frequently writes and speaks on careers-related topics. You can find links to her popular series about networking called “How Your Next Executive Role Finds You“ and a free resource she created to help people start a career transition plan here: www.GinaRileyConsulting.com - click the green button SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:https://secondactsuccess.co/37CONNECT with Gina Riley:Website: GinaRileyConsulting.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/Free Resource: www.GinaRileyConsulting.com - click the green buttonREVIEW THE PODCAST:Your review would mean the world to us! REVIEW THE PODCAST. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/second-act-success/id1617274364)WHAT'S YOUR SECOND ACT STORY?If you would like to share your story with our listeners or recommend a guest for the show, please fill out our Guest Application Form at https://bit.ly/SecondActSuccessGuest or email info@secondactsuccess.co.SHARE THE INSPIRATION:Share the podcast with friends to help spread the inspiration! secondactsuccess.co/podcast LEARN MORE AND SUBSCRIBE:To learn more about the show visit http://www.secondactsuccess.co, and please subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.LET'S CONNECT!Connect with our host Shannon Russell and the Second Act Success Team:Facebook | Instagram | Website  Grab the FREE Second Act Blueprint to help on your journey to second act success. https://secondactsuccess.coInstagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccessFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.coAll the latest - https://linktr.ee/secondactsuccess

#165 - How can we take advantage of our strengths and values to achieve success and career satisfaction in real estate? We all have unique gifts and on this episode of The Real Estate UnSalesperson podcast, my guest, Gina Riley, will show you how you can discover and maximize them.Gina is an expert on career coaching and an interview skills trainer, which is essential for Realtors – because when you think about it, every meeting with a seller and buyer is a job interview. Our goal is to be hired as their Realtor. This episode will provide you tips on how you can improve on this critical skill.Meet Gina RileyAn authority in career transition, Gina Riley is an HR professional, career transition coach, executive search consultant, and interview skills trainer who applies her expertise working with leaders and executives with her Career Velocity™ System. She holds a master's degree in Whole Systems Design and is a certified YouMap® coach. You can find her at GinaRileyConsulting.com.Get The UnSalesyGram NewsletterWould you like to get tips on how to sell real estate in an unsalesy manner along with some inspiration and motivation?  Then sign up for my free UnsalesyGram Newsletter here!Mortgage Connects, an MGIC PodcastInsights and tips from top mortgage industry pros!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

What are beneficial ways of keeping water onsite to build a lush habitat for humans and wildlife? How can you locate the best spot to construct a pond in your landscape? What indicators can give hints about existing subterranean water systems? When is the best time to shape your land for water retention? From cold plunges, land regeneration, habitat diversification, climate resilience, soundscape enhancement to intense beauty and entertainment, water nurtures living systems. In this episode Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design shares profound insights into the workings and wonders of water systems! Opening tune: Waterplant Waltz by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com (https://carmenporter.com)) To contact Ben Falk, see more of his glorious work, register for courses or order his brilliant book (The Resilient Farm and Homestead): https://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/ (https://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/)

Do you know what your unique value proposition is? In this segment Gina Riley discusses the importance of taking relevant assessments to help navigate your unique value proposition. Which can help you as you begin to transition career wise or interested in personal / professional development. - YouMap Career Profile Assessment - Branding and Positioning See video here - https://youtu.be/vKhQBkD18Q8 WHO IS GINA? Gina Riley is a Human Resources professional who sits at the powerful convergence of Career Coaching, Executive Search, and Interview Skills Training. She is an authority in career transition and helps leaders communicate their career stories with her CareerVelocity System™ in order to help them position themselves as a “Business in a Business”. She is sought after for her thought leadership and expertise in the areas of professional networking, career development and known for her ability to make meaningful and mutually advantageous professional connections. Gina brings over 25 years of experience from small business to Fortune 50 companies, holds a Master's degree in Whole Systems Design, and has held positions from recruitment, program management, Employer Brand initiatives and consulting with executive teams. She is a certified YouMap® coach which she uses to help people craft high-impact career stories. GINA'S CALL TO ACTION Gina offers a free career transition assessment on her website: https://ginarileyconsulting.com/ Articles, resources, podcasts: https://ginarileyconsulting.com/articles/ You'll find a link to a 30-minute webinar and access to a workbook to start making your career transition plan today! GENESIS'S INFO https://genesisamariskemp.net/ CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp Channel, Hit the notifications bell so you don't miss any content, and share with family/friends. **REMEMBER - You do not have to let limitations or barriers keep you from achieving your success. Mind over Matter...It's time to shift and unleash your greatest potential. If you would like to be a SPONSOR or have any of your merchandise mentioned, please reach out via email at GEMSwithGenesisAmarisKemp@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/support

Jeremy tells the story of how Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell & himself acquired their training and Master's degee in Whole Systems design. He goes into to detail on what systems theory is and how it is relevant and related to the Algorithms associated with social media platforms, data collection and search engine optimization.

On this episode of Doomer Optimism, hosts Dr. Ashley Colby (@rizomaschool) and Dr. Jason Snyder (@cognazor) interview the inestimable Tao Orion (@tao_orion) and get deeeeep into the weeds on the ecology of a homestead. This one is up there with episode 6 with Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design as one of the more practical episodes we've run this season. If you're interested in the ins and outs of maintaining your own ecological system, this is the episode for you. About Tao Orion Tao graduated from UC Santa Cruz after majoring in Environmental Studies with a focus on Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. She participated in the 2001 Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture at the UC Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, and received a Certificate in Ecological Horticulture. She received her PDC from Max Lindegger at Crystal Waters Permaculture Village in Australia in 2002. Tao holds a MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security at the National University of Ireland. Tao is the author of Beyond the War on Invasive Species: A Permaculture Perspective on Ecosystem Restoration (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2015), and also “People as Purposeful and Conscientious Resource Stewards: Human Agency in A World Gone Wild” (Routledge Press, 2020). She is passionate about linking restoration with thoughtful design of human and non-human habitat. Tao currently serves on the Lane County Climate Action Planning Committee, as well as on the Planning Commission for the City of Cottage Grove, OR. About Dr. Jason Synder Metamodern localist | homesteading, permaculture, bioregional regeneration | meditation, self inquiry, embodied cognition | PhD from Michigan State University, faculty Appalachian State University. About Dr. Ashley Colby Ashley is an Environmental Sociologist who studied at Washington State University, the department that founded the subdiscipline. She's interested in and passionate about the myriad creative ways in which people are forming new social worlds in resistance to the failures of late capitalism and resultant climate disasters. I am a qualitative researcher so I tend to focus on the informal spaces of innovation. She's the founder of Rizoma Field School and Rizoma Foundation.

On this episode of Doomer Optimism, guest hosts Anarcho-Contrarian (@anarcontrarian) and Joe Norman (@normonics) chat with Ben Falk, the mastermind behind Whole Systems Design, and an expert on permaculture, homesteading, and ecology. About Ben Falk Ben developed Whole Systems Design, LLC as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and backcountry traveler continually informs Ben's integrative approach to developing landscapes and buildings. His home landscape and the WSD studio site in Vermont's Mad River Valley serve as a proving ground for the regenerative land developments featured in the projects of Whole Systems Design. Ben studied architecture and landscape architecture at the graduate level and holds a master's degree in land-use planning and design. He has conducted more than 300 site development consultations across the US and abroad, and has facilitated dozens of courses on property selection, permaculture design, and resilient systems. He has given keynote addresses and presented dozens of workshops at venues ranging from Bioneers to the Omega Institute. Ben is the author of the award-winning book The Resilient Farm and Homestead (Chelsea Green, 2013) and serves as an Advisory Council for the international regeneration group Ecosystem Restoration Camps. About Anarcho-Contrarian They're anonymous so honestly not that much to share here. But here's their Twitter bio: Scale-Reductionism, Localism, Agrarianism, New Village-ism, Distributism... i.e. Redundant, Nostalgic & Politically Homeless. About Joe Norman Joe is a complex systems scientist researching risk in large-scale systems, pattern formation in biological systems, physiological patterns for improving human health, and military strategy for international and global security.

Gina Riley is a Human Resources professional who sits at the powerful convergence between Career Coaching, Executive Search and Interview Skills Training. OUR CHATWe dove into the topic of Executive Presence, and how it impacts those targeting career change.ABOUT GINAAn authority in career transition, she is the creator of the Career Velocity System™ – a comprehensive solution that helps leaders and executives map out a transition strategy to last throughout their career.Gina brings over 25 years of experience from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies and has a Masters' degree in Whole Systems Design. As a certified YouMap® coach, Gina uses a customizes her model for each client.Her unique approach helps leaders showcase themselves as a “Business Solution” and position themselves as authoritative problem solvers that accelerate career transition success.LEARN MORE: ginarileyconsulting.com | gina@ginarileyconsulting.com | linkedin.com/in/ginariley/

Koreen Brennan of growpermaculture.com is a designer and educator who has a long resume of experiences within the regenerative growing world! Today, we discuss the way permaculture can aid disaster relief, build our soils and transform our communities.

Kristen Corning Bedford is an author, speaker, and philanthropic strategist who is passionate about working together on things that matter. Through her writing and consulting, she supports individuals, businesses, and foundations in aligning their privilege with their purpose in order to create systemic change. Kristen is the co-founder of The Ruby Room, for which she received the NW Girls Coalition's Outstanding Community Leadership Award. She served as the president of the Board of Directors of ArtsEd Washington and was a founding board member of Urban Homestead Foundation. She is a founding member of the investment club, Women Investing in Tacoma, and the giving circle, Impact|West Seattle. She was nominated for Antioch University's Horace Mann Award and recognized as a South Sound 40 under 40 Leader. In her position as vice president of Community Philanthropy at The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, she had the pleasure of developing and managing the Youth Against Violence Initiative, which resulted in the formation of a Youth Philanthropy Board and earned the Foundation a Leadership Legacy Award from the Center for Ethical Leadership. Kristen is currently on the Board of the Whidbey Institute and a member of the Family Committee for Equity and Inclusion at Genesee Hill Elementary. Kristen received her MA from Antioch University in Whole Systems Design and her BA from Western Washington University in Film Studies and Production. She is a Seattle native currently living in West Seattle with her husband and two young sons, who keep her ever mindful of legacy and generosity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we celebrate a man who is remembered for his contributions to art and ornithology. We'll also learn about a socialite, gardener, and garden designer whose story has been largely unappreciated. We’ll hear some thoughts on gardening in the Carolinas. We Grow That Garden Library™ with a book about resilient homesteading that incorporates an innovative approach to permaculture. And then we’ll wrap things up with the incredible behind-the-scenes story of the funeral of one of the world’s greatest scientific minds: Charles Darwin.   Subscribe Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart To listen to the show while you're at home, just ask Alexa or Google to “Play the latest episode of The Daily Gardener Podcast.” And she will. It's just that easy.   The Daily Gardener Friday Newsletter Sign up for the FREE Friday Newsletter featuring: A personal update from me Garden-related items for your calendar The Grow That Garden Library™ featured books for the week Gardener gift ideas Garden-inspired recipes Exclusive updates regarding the show Plus, each week, one lucky subscriber wins a book from the Grow That Garden Library™ bookshelf.   Gardener Greetings Send your garden pics, stories, birthday wishes, and so forth to Jennifer@theDailyGardener.org   Curated News Zen Garden Ideas: Create Your Own Backyard Zen Garden | Garden Design | Janet Loughrey   Facebook Group If you'd like to check out my curated news articles and original blog posts for yourself, you're in luck. I share all of it with the Listener Community in the Free Facebook Group - The Daily Gardener Community. So, there’s no need to take notes or search for links. The next time you're on Facebook, search for Daily Gardener Community, where you’d search for a friend... and request to join. I'd love to meet you in the group.   Important Events April 26, 1785 Today is the birthday of the ornithologist, artist, and naturalist, John James Audubon, who was born in Santo Domingo, Haiti. John's folio series called “The Birds of America” featured 435 life-size color prints of American birds. And John’s favorite state for birding was Louisiana. Honored as the namesake of the National Audubon Society, his birthday, today (April 26th), was designated as National Audubon Day to commemorate his birth and work. In 2011, Google celebrated his birthday with a Google Doodle. It was John James Audobon who said, “In my deepest troubles, I frequently would wrench myself from the persons around me and retire to some secluded part of our noble forests.” He also said, "When the bird & the book disagree, believe the bird."   April 26, 1873 Today is the birthday of the British socialite and garden designer Norah Lindsay. After marrying Sir Harry Lindsay, Norah began gardening at their Manor home and garden in Oxfordshire called Sutton Courtenay - which was given to them as a wedding present from Harry’s cousin. Norah’s gardens overflowed with flowers, and she hosted regular parties and even masked balls at her estate, which also allowed her to show off her gardens. Norah recognized the powerful draw of gardens. She once described Sutten Courtenay as having a “shining quality,” writing, “some gardens, like some people, have a charm potent to enslave and yet as intangible as dew or vapour.” Although she adored Italian gardens, Norah’s gardens were not formal but rather romantic and wild, relaxed and gentle. She memorably told one gardener that she “loved lilies, lazily lolling.” Norah was influenced by William Robinson, an advocate for wild gardening, and Gertrude Jekyll, the English gardener, and writer. Like Jekyll, Norah designed her gardens with drifts of color and soft transitions. And although her gardens seemed effortless, there was a method to Norah’s approach to design. Norah had an intuitive sense of scale and impeccable taste in plants. Beautiful, charming, and witty, Norah was sadly not a writer. Her legacy lives on in many of the gardens she created and her only daughter Nancy - who also loved gardening and horticulture. The British gardener, garden designer, and landscape architect Russell Page referred to Norah in his book The Education of a Gardener, saying, "Norah Lindsay could by her plantings evoke all the pleasures of a flower garden. She captured the essence of midsummer... or gave the pith of autumn… She lifted herbaceous planting into a poetic category and gave it an air of rapture and spontaneity.” By the time Norah turned 51, her marriage and her bank account had both fallen flat. In a letter to a friend, Norah summed it up simply: "No husband, no money, no home." To provide for herself, Norah began designing gardens for her royal and wealthy friends - a career that would last for two decades. Norah’s friends and clients were writers, gardeners, old-Hollywood stars, and politicians - and included Edward, Prince of Wales, Waldorf and Nancy Astor, Charlie Chaplin, Marshall Field III, George Shaw, and Edith Wharton. And, thanks to her wealthy clients, Norah was able to garden all over Europe - which meant that she became adept at understanding different soils, growing zones, and spaces - modifying her designs to accommodate new challenges. One of Norah’s friends and clients was the Duke of Windsor. He once remarked, “If you had the money, she was the one to spend it.” Yet, surprisingly, Norah’s biographer wrote that Norah lived two very different lives. By night, she often dined with the rich and powerful. By day - starting at 5 am - Norah was in the garden with her garden crew. And when her long day of garden work was done, Norah took a train back home; she didn’t own a car. One particular friend of Norah’s worth noting was the estate owner, gardener, and garden designer Lawrence Johnston who went by Johnny. Johnny owned Hidcote Manor, “HID-cut,” and Norah helped him design the magnificent 10.5-acre garden there. Johnny was planning to leave Hidcote to Norah, but that plan was thwarted when Norah died unexpectedly at 75 - shortly after being diagnosed with kidney cancer. Once, when she was in the midst of her career, regularly buying plants for clients, Norah wrote to a friend, “When I die, Magnolia will be written on my heart.” Today many regret that Norah did not write books to document her work. Little remains outside of her personal letters that capture Norah’s charm, cleverness, and quick wit - and her fresh perspective on gardens and gardening. The American garden historian, Allyson Hayward, wrote an excellent biography of Norah in 2007 called Norah Lindsay: The Life and Art of a Garden Designer.   Unearthed Words In the Carolinas, there are two growing seasons: warm and cool.  The cool season runs from about October or November through April or May (depending on where you garden).  The warm season runs from May or June through September or October.  If you plan your Carolina garden around no other guiding principle than this, you will be well in front of people who don’t. ― Katie Elzer-Peters, Carolinas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest the Best Edibles   Grow That Garden Library The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben Falk This book came out in 2013, and the subtitle is An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Approach. In this book, Ben shares what he's learned gardening on a hill farm In Vermont Mad River Valley. Ben shares his incredible ingenuity and intelligent approach to working the land And restoring the biosphere. The author of A Sanctuary of Trees, Gene Logsdon, wrote this about Ben's book, “Grow rice in New England? Yes. Heat water to 155 degrees F on cold winter days at a rate of a gallon a minute by piping it through a compost pile? Yes. How about dinner tonight of your own rack of lamb garnished with homegrown mushrooms? Yes. Your choice of scores of different vegetables and fruits even in winter? Yes. Plus, your own dairy products from your own sheep. All the while, the soil producing this magic, on a site once thought little more than a wasteland, grows yearly more fertile and secure from natural calamity." An early adopter of permaculture principles, Ben is constantly testing ideas for better homesteading on his property in Vermont. Ben founded Whole Systems Design, LLC - a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. So he’s a practitioner expert when it comes to permaculture. This book is 320 pages of Inspiring and practical advice to create your edible sanctuary and resilient landscape. You can get a copy of The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben Falk and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for around $25   Today’s Botanic Spark Reviving the little botanic spark in your heart April 26, 1882 On this day, the funeral for Charles Darwin was held at noon sharp at Westminster Abbey. Thousands attended it. The deputy organist at Westminster Abbey, John Frederick Bridge, felt Darwin deserved to have an original funeral anthem and so, the day before the funeral he wrote original lyrics inspired by the Book of Proverbs and set them to music: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and getteth understanding. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand, riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” Bridge also wrote original funeral hymns for Robert Browning and  Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Attendees needed tickets to get into the funeral. The ten pallbearers included Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (The son of the famous botanist William Jackson Hooker and Darwin’s closest friend), Thomas Henry Huxley (English biologist and anthropologist), Alfred Russel Wallace (British naturalist and evolutionary theorist - and a surprising friend to Darwin), James Russell Lowell (U.S. Ambassador), and William Spottiswoode "Spots-Wood" (President of the Royal Society). Darwin was buried at the Abbey next to the eminent scientist Sir John Herschel and just a few feet away from Sir Isaac Newton. On the Sunday following the funeral, the Bishop of Carlisle, Harvey Goodwin, said in his sermon, there is no “necessary conflict between a knowledge of Nature and a belief in God.” One of Darwin’s pallbearers, William Spottiswoode, delivered a eulogy for Darwin at the Royal Academy a few days after the funeral, on April 29, 1882. William said: “If patience and perseverance in good work… if a continual overcoming of evil with good in any way constitute elements of greatness, then the man of whom I speak—Charles Darwin—was truly great.” On his deathbed, at Down House, Charles Darwin told his wife, Emma, "I am not the least afraid of death—Remember what a good wife you have been to me—Tell all my children to remember how good they have been to me." And he told repeatedly told his children, "It's almost worthwhile to be sick to be nursed by you.” Darwin’s beloved dog, Polly, died naturally, two days after her master. Today, gardeners can visit Down House and explore the home and gardens of Charles Darwin. And, if you would like to pay homage to Darwin in your own garden, you can purchase one of David Austin’s favorite and best-selling roses: Charles Darwin. The Charles Darwin yellow rose is gorgeous and wonderfully fragrant - with notes of soft floral Tea and pure lemon. Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener. And remember: "For a happy, healthy life, garden every day."

▶️ Join Ben Falk and I for a Free Online Summit https://www.mypermacultureproperty.com Ben and I talk about his plans to revise his book "The Resilient Farm and Homestead", what it's like living on a permaculture property for almost 2 decades, the increase of "COVID Refugees" to the permaculture space, why we should all be naked more, our favourite plants, and so much more. Ben Falk developed Whole Systems Design, LLC as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and backcountry traveler continually informs Ben’s integrative approach to developing landscapes and buildings. Find out more about Ben's work at: http://www.wholesystemsdesign.com ▶️ Buy my book https://www.mypermacultureproperty.com ▶️ Buy topographical maps and more at https://www.contourmapgenerator.com ▶️ Find out more about my farm and consulting at https://www.coenfarm.ca Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/building-your-permaculture-property/donations

"As foragers, we need to be gardeners," says Ben Falk — regenerative ecosystem architect and founder of Whole Systems Design. In this insightful conversation, Ben shares how we in the wild food world can be agents for good on the landscape. He discusses strategies for creating habitat for wildlife right where you live — building resilient living systems that attract wildlife and allow wild plant populations to flourish. We also discuss sustainable foraging, our responsibility to tend the wild, Ben's essential daily tools, and why beaver should really be a verb. View full show notes, including links to resources from this episode here: https://www.wild-fed.com/podcast/045

In this episode, I am highlighting the interdisciplinary work of Buckminster Fuller and his emphasis on whole systems design. His approach of doing more with less has had a huge impact on folks both within and outside of Permaculture Design practice - including myself long before I heard the word Permaculture, I learned about Bucky Fuller, Geodesic domes, the Whole Earth Catalog and the whole systems design movement of the early & mid 20th Century. I also really identified with his discipline of learning for oneself, from direct experience - He states that "man must learn to think for himself, rather than follow blindly what he has been taught." I hope enjoy another show digging into the roots of Permaculture...

When she was young Vasi Huntalas instinctively knew how to make a direct connection to what she calls the “bigger me”. Her traditional Greek family was concerned and brought the priest in to make sure everything was ok with Vasi, from which she learned to hide her spirituality. It took into her adulthood before Vasi learned how to integrate her spirituality with the rest of her life. Now Vasi has transformed the perception that she's a rebel into the truth that she's a pioneer of feminine leadership on the frontier of New Earth consciousness. Vasi Huntalas guides women entrepreneurs and other leaders to clarify their vision and nurture unshakeable self-belief. Watch this interview to be encouraged to trust yourself and your spiritual connection to guide you towards truth, even if no one around you ‘gets it'. CHECK OUT: Vasi's Mastermind Circles https://igniteyoursol.com/mastercreator/ LISTEN: Dreaming Big, Leading Boldly Podcast https://connectedwomenofinfluence.com/women-lead-radio-vasi-huntalas/ More about Vasi Huntalas Vasi Huntalas guides women entrepreneurs and other leaders to clarify their vision and nurture unshakeable self-belief. She is an intuitive coach, transformational workshop facilitator, and speaker. As founder of Ignite Your Sol, she inspires pioneering leaders who are shifting the paradigm of business from force to flow. After rediscovering her creative and intuitive abilities in 2014, Vasi experienced her own shift which transformed her life and her lifework. She pioneered an art process that has led hundreds of people to reconnect with their purpose, intuition, and creativity so they can joyfully fulfill their visions. Vasi has an M.A. in Whole Systems Design on organizational transformation, leadership, and adult learning. As host of “Dreaming Big, Leading Boldly” on Women Lead Radio, she interviews women who are growing and leading their businesses innovatively. Connect with Vasi: Web: https://igniteyoursol.com/ Podcast: https://bit.ly/2vJ2TPy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vasi.huntalas Twitter: https://twitter.com/vibrant_vasi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasihuntalas/   YOUR GUIDE TO SOUL NECTAR – KERRI HUMMINGBIRD SAMI I love mentoring women to rewrite the story of their lives through inner transformation, connection to essence, remembrance of purpose, and realignment to authenticity and truth. If you don't want to settle for anything less than a life of passion and purpose, book a Discovery Call and let's talk! Schedule today! http://bit.ly/2CpFHFZ FREE GIFT: The Love Mastery Game, an oracle for revealing your soul's curriculum in every day challenges. http://www.kerrihummingbird.com/play Do you lack the confidence to trust yourself and go for what you want? When you take actions towards your dreams, does self-doubt infect your certainty? Do you find yourself distracting and numbing while also feeling something is missing inside? Do you feel disrespected and like your wisdom is being dismissed? Do you have a hard time asking for what you need? You may benefit from healing the Mother Wound and reconnecting with the Divine Mother for love. Find out more at www.motherwoundbook.com You may be a member of The Second Wave, here to uplift human consciousness from the inside out by healing patterns of suffering that run through your ancestry. Find out about “The Second Wave: Transcending the Human Drama” and receive a guided meditation at www.thesecondwave.media READ an Excerpt from the Award-Winning memoir, Awakening To Me.

Is there hope for our planet or should we consider it game over? If you were starting to doubt, make sure to tune into this conversation with Renee Peters and she will undoubtedly bring back your faith!"It's incredible to see how fast soil comes back to life when humans get to work with it the right way. For the longest time I thought we were the problem, then I realized that if done the right way - we can actually be the solution."Renee Peters is an Earth activist who––after a decade working as a fashion model in NYC and all over the world––realized a deep yearning to return to Nature. With an undergrad degree in Animal Biology, last summer she decided to follow her calling to explore the potentials of permaculture and regenerative agriculture for ecosystem restoration. She took a Permaculture Design course in Vermont with Whole Systems Design and subsequently completed a two-month apprenticeship on a Homestead near Albany; a four-month WWOOF exchange on a permaculture production farm in Maui, HI; and is currently deepening her practices with permaculture as a Forest Garden Apprentice in Highland, NY.No longer modeling, Renee seeks to show her following on social media that transitioning to a completely different field of work is possible, no matter what your age is. She also hopes to show that reconnecting and working with the land is a change that not only benefits the planet, but also benefits the soul and personal health and happiness.Follow Renee:Website: http://www.model4greenliving.com/Instagram: @Renee.ElizabethPetersTwitter: @model4greenLVNGMentioned in the show:Terra Preta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terra_preta (Humans positive impact on the Amazonian rainforest)NY Times article: Make a compost bin at homeStay in touch:ANNE THERESE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/HEY CHANGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychangeworld/Website: https://www.heychange.world/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

My guest today is someone I've followed and looked up to since I first began to learn about permaculture and homesteading. Ben Falk is not only a badass homesteader and self-sufficiency pioneer, he's also an accomplished designer and consultant, primarily through his company Whole Systems Design. For years I've even had a video tour of his property in Vermont saved on my computer that I watch from time to time as inspiration for what can be done on a small degraded plot if you take the time to observe the context and patterns of the place and are not afraid to fail in your experiments.  Photo by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur Ben Falk, founder of Whole Systems Design, holds bundles bundles of short grain brown rice grown in terraced rice paddies at his research farm in Moretown. Ben  is also the author of The Resilient Farm and Homestead, a comprehensive manual for developing durable, beautiful, and highly functional human habitat systems fit to handle an age of rapid transition. With that description I knew Ben would be the right person to speak to about the need for resilient living systems in this time of unprecedented upheaval in our global society.  In this interview, we break down the elements that have to be in place for a system to be considered resilient as well as the essential things that someone has to understand before they can start to interact with their land in a beneficial way. Ben also talks about some of the practical aspects of homestead living such as what he's found to be the best “bang for your buck” enterprises and time investments which include some surprisingly simple and basic things. We even cover resilience at the community level and dig out some essential advice from Ben's years working with clients to build their own systems and what considerations people often overlook when they first get started. Though I spoke with Ben before much of the pandemic lockdown had started in the US, this interview has turned out to be very timely for the huge surge in interest all around the world from people looking to reclaim independence from the global economic system and reclaim more self reliance in reaction to seeing how fragile our support systems really are. A renewed interest in everything from growing your own food garden to repairing common household appliances has grown as more people recognize that there is real value in knowing how to provide for your most basic requirements and being able to care for the needs of your community.  In the meantime, I hope all of you are staying safe and healthy in this difficult time of epidemic. My best wishes to all of you and your families. Resources: http://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/wholesystems https://www.facebook.com/ben.falk.14

My next guest on DITD is Ben Falk he is a permaculturalist, landscape architetect and site planner. He is the founder of Whole system design in Vermont... a modern day Homestead planning company and the author of the book The Resilient farm and homestead. Ben advises land owners on how to be Sustainable, ecologically friendly and meet most of your food, medicine and energy needs by living in a more resilient manner. He was one of the featured permaculturalist in one of the featured films in our environmental film series called. A film called "Inhabit". His process and results are scalable from residential properties to neighborhoods, to regions. The goal is to be able to better deal with future change brought on by the climate crisis and other unforeseen disasters.

Ben developed Whole Systems Design, LLC as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and back country traveler continually informs Ben's integrative approach … Continue reading →

Why do we choose to swim against the current of modern civilization in this era of rapid change?That’s a question that each of us, individually, will have to answer for ourselves. And that answer is liable to change, perhaps dramatically, as we venture further down the path back to nature and uncover hard-won knowledge about our place in the universe.Ben Falk, a permaculture-oriented land designer and site planner who runs the Vermont-based company Whole Systems Design, says his position has shifted over time.“I’ve moved away from the idea of trying to ‘survive.’ The big goal isn’t me surviving… I’m doing it to have a better life, and improve a place. I’m not trying to survive forever.”I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ben on the topic of homesteading, and he was generous enough to share a mountain of practical info and advice for folks all across the spectrum of experience living close to the land.“We’re cultivating an ecosystem that’s great for all living things here, and we just try to live on the byproducts of that ecosystem… we’re living on the interest.”Ben’s 2013 book The Resilient Farm and Homestead played a pivotal role at the start of my own personal homesteading journey, shedding light on a seemingly bottomless well of things I didn’t know that I didn’t know… you know?Ben is very down-to-earth and insightful when it comes to practical self-reliance, and also really a treat to converse with. I think there’s a lot to take away from this one, no matter where you find yourself on the path back to the land!

Maureen’s exceptionalism first came to international attention as a world class cyclist.  She had no preconceived limits on what she could accomplish as a member of the US Cycling Team.  She won a National Championship, set a national record, earned a silver and bronze medals at the national level.  She won a silver medal in the World Championships and had her eye on the 1992 Olympics.   At the height of her cycling career, her dreams came to an abrupt halt with the sudden onset of a colossal health challenge.  The headlines read, “Manley’s Olympic dream is dashed.”  The journey down one road ended.  Another began.  A journey filled with compelling life lessons that strengthened her understanding and belief in the power of the human spirit. The courage, determination and resourcefulness that had fueled her amazing athleticism became instrumental in her healing process.  She did not let her physical setback stop her from living the life she desired. In addition to her Exercise Science Degree she obtained a Master’s degree in Whole Systems Design.  She began to understand and develop effective ways to deepen and broaden her knowledge and application of holistic high-performance strategies that would help produce the outcomes she desired.  Her journey led her to become a creative force – a gifted corporate professional speaker and peak-performance wellness and business coach.  Maureen’s passion for excellence and her authentic presence have led her to inspire audiences from coast to coast.  In her program, The Cycle of Success, Maureen shows her audiences how to gain the winning edge by harnessing the power of both grit and grace. 

Ben developed Whole Systems Design, LLC as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and back country traveler continually informs Ben's integrative approach … Continue reading →

Ben Falk returns to ReWild Yourself Podcast to add his perspective to our invasive species conversation series! Ben lives in an intentional, resilient, forage-able ecosystem on his homestead in Vermont's Mad River Valley that he designed and continues to evolve. As someone who works closely with his local landscape, he is intimately enmeshed with both native and non-native invasive species and has valuable input on this complex issue. Ben — an innovative permaculturist and intentional ecosystem designer — developed Whole Systems Design as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and backcountry traveler continually informs Ben’s integrative approach to developing landscapes and buildings. Ben has studied architecture and landscape architecture at the graduate level and holds a master’s degree in land-use planning and design. He has conducted more than 300 site development consultations across the US and abroad, and has facilitated dozens of courses on property selection, permaculture design, and resilient systems. Ben is also the author of the award-winning book the Resilient Farm and Homestead. In this episode, Ben and I grapple with some of the critical questions of the invasive species conversation: Who has the right to be considered native to a specific ecosystem when we are all native to this planet? Can we eat our way out of the invasive species problem? How do we define natural? Ben brings a balanced viewpoint to our invasive species series. He believes — as do I — that the conversation on invasives can be hugely advanced by active ecosystem participants (rewilders!). Tune in, and let's continue to be conscientious participants in the conservation of our ecology! EPISODE BREAKDOWN: Show Introduction: Hunt + gather updates: Striper and mackerel fishing, squirrel hunting, acorn gathering and pack basket making Introducing Ben Falk Ben’s permaculture intentional ecosystem Food yield on Ben’s homestead  The processing that goes into a permaculture ecosystem Backstory to Ben’s viewpoints on invasive species Invasive species and native local plant communities — who has the right to stay? Thoughts on eating invasives Creating forage-able landscapes Tying a bow on the invasive species conversation Defining what’s natural Ben’s prognosis for the future of the landscape

Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/27 Support the show at permaculturevoices.com/support THIS EPISODE IS A REPLAY OF PREVIOUS PUBLISHED EPISODE. Ben Falk from Whole Systems Design, LLC joins me talk about permaculture design and what he has learned on his research site over the years. He talks about how to break into the business as a designHe touches on cold climate infrastructure and heating with wood. And he goes into his thoughts on designing a property and why it's important to understand the land's capability and how you should relate that to your goals. We also spend some time talking about the mass selection of plant genetics for a site, stressing the importance of over stacking the system in the beginning to see what works and what doesn't. Key Takeaways: Get some experience working with the land and systems before you start designing properties as "a designer." You can reduce your wood usage by 30-40% by drying wood well versus haphazardly drying it. Cold humid climates have a low tolerance for bad moisture detailing in structures. When designing a home detail carefully to keep the home dry and get water out. Grow tree multi-purpose tree species for fuel wood. Consider black locusts - fixes nitrogen, fast grower, rot resistant wood, good fuel wood, and makes great saw logs. Have goals but understand the land's capability so you can adjust those goals as needed. Don't fight against the land's tendencies and capabilities, work with it, not against it. Most people have more land than they can manage well. Moving down in acreage might be advantageous. It is better to manage 5 acres right than 100 acres wrong. Most people can have most of their needs met on 5-10 acres. Unless you have a commercial aspect or grazing component. Have a good access plan for your site. Don't box yourself out. Start and maintain a clear access pattern which is based on the water flow throughout the site. For site selection general location and access are a quick way to filter down a list of a lot of properties. Then look to the Keyline Scale of Permanance. Consider water security and controlling as much of a watershed as you can. Focus on manageability with regards to plantings. Plant based on water access with on contour swales. Not all permaculture techniques will work on all sites. So don't expect that. Practice the mass selection of genetics. Identify the best genetics from your site by growing trees from seed. Plant as many tress as you can on a site, way closer than you would ever imagine, and cut out the ones that don't do well. Use the first 3-5 years on a site to learn what does well. Years 5-10 are when you focus on plants and families that really want ot grow on your site - microclimate - aspect - soils. And there is no way to know which ones will work unless you start putting a lot of plants in the ground. Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/27 Support the show at permaculturevoices.com/support THIS EPISODE IS A REPLAY OF PREVIOUS PUBLISHED EPISODE.

Ben Falk joins us to discuss permaculture and the art of regenerating landscapes. Ben is an author and the founder of Whole Systems Design, LLC, a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. He shares about his experiences using permaculture to create edible landscapes and set ecosystems in motion. Ben, a former eco-warrior, has turned his passion for our earth into a beautiful dedication to healing the trauma of the land. EPISODE BREAKDOWN: Daniel answer your questions on the role of dance in ReWilding and addresses your questions and comments on bear hunting How Ben got into permaculture Ben’s journey from eco-warrior to regenerating landscapes What is permaculture? Using permaculture to create habitat for other species Regenerating the landscape Setting ecosystems in motion Intentional design vs surprise in permaculture The intuitive nature of permaculture Healing the trauma of the land Getting started with permaculture The radical backcountry farmer Harnessing cross-fit energy Getting involved with Ben Ben’s prognosis for the future of the human species 

Donate to The Permaculture Podcast Online: via PayPal Venmo: @permaculturepodcast This article is by Taylor Proffit, and originally posted at NuMundo.org and reprinted/recorded as a podcast with permission. Back in October, my friend showed me The Permaculture Podcast for the first time while we were camping, developing business models and visioning the future of each other's work in the startup world of San Francisco. It was an appropriate time to listen to the episode where Ethan Roland of Appleseed Permaculture spoke about the Eight Forms of Capital in Regenerative Enterprise. Having listened to nearly every episode from the last 5 years in a matter of weeks, I've been deeply moved and inspired by this daily dose of educational therapy that has pushed me to make meaningful changes at a crossroads in my life. This is one of the most transformative collections of media I've come across to date. I've included links to the shows on the website, but you can download the mobile app as well. If you feel so inspired, support the growth of the show with a one time or monthly donation on Scott's crowdfunding platform or leave a review on the itunes app store. 1. Ethan Hughes and Necessary Simplicity & Practical Possibilities with Ethan Hughes – Ethan Hughes is a permaculture practitioner and radical minimalist that founded the Possibility Alliance, an 80-acre petrol and electricity-free homestead that gifts over 1,500 permaculture design courses each year. After traveling the world and watching the innumerable tragedies that fossil fuels and Western civilization have imposed on the earth, indigenous populations, and the minds of the masses, Ethan decided to give up his car for a bike, eat dinner by candlelight, liquidate his financial capital, and begin educating people about changing harmful lifestyles. I cannot explain how game-changing it was to hear Ethan tell his story: 20 years of slowing down to the simple life where chocolate doesn't belong, where in the last ten years his car has only been used twelve times for emergencies, and where the inner landscape work to make these external changes is of utmost importance and is the only practical path. Here is another article with Ethan over at Mother Earth News. [caption width="500" align="aligncenter"] Reprinted from Gather and Grow, read their experience when visiting Ethan's land and home of the Possibility Alliance https://gatherandgrowdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/possibility2.jpg[/caption] 2. Edible Forest Gardens and permaculture with Dave Jacke – Dave Jacke is a permaculture practitioner and co-author of Edible Forest Gardens that tells it like it is. Like Ethan Hughes, Dave asserts the importance of inner landscape work if any external actions are to have lasting results. His work with perennial food forestry is comprehensive, and the content of this conversation has given me a more clear understanding of how to move forward in my path, both internally and in the outer landscape, specifically with regards to food forestry. 3. Right Livelihood with Ben Weiss, Dave Jacke, and Charles Eisenstein– This recent episode features permaculture practitioners Ben Weiss and Dave Jacke, and author of bestseller Sacred Economics, Charles Eisenstein. The conversation traverses the ways in which we can integrate the lessons of the old story, and begin to make positive changes toward the new world we wish to inhabit. A true necessity for the contemporary changemaker. Linked in the show notes is the second half of the conversation without Charles (who had to leave the discussion early). [caption width="490" align="aligncenter"] Reprinted with permission from The Permaculture Podcast. Ben Weiss, Dave Jacke, and Charles Eisenstein panel discussion (left to right).[/caption] 4. Restoration Agriculture with Mark Shepard (Parts 1-3)– Mark Shepard is a practical go out and get it farmer. He's not interested in obscure uses of the word permaculture or anything short of prolific results. This three part discussion explains Mark's story and experience with the Organic Valley Co-operative farmers group, in which biofuel tractor design, perennial food forest design, and efficient chestnut growing are all shared practices to build a resilient network of farmers who live in the same proximity. After listening to the first episode, I was thrilled to see there were two more to listen to. This is a great episode for practical solutions to profitable farming, truly restorative land management practices, and integrative food forestry design. 5. Whole Systems Design and the Resilient Farm with Ben Falk– Ben Falk is a permaculturist who, like Ethan Hughes, wouldn't flinch if the system as we know it broke down overnight. The homestead he designed for himself is completely self-reliant, other than a generator he uses as a backup heating source for showers until solar panels can be bought (by now, I'm sure he has them, since this episode is over two years old). But unlike Ethan, Ben makes a living from his rugged resilience through a design firm called Whole Systems Design, LLC. When I first came across Ben's website a year or so ago on accident, I thought to myself “this is what I want to do” as I watched a video of him using a scythe to cut a cover crop and his design team talking about the completely self-reliant and closed loop homestead systems they design, build and inhabit. Here is the video: Whole Systems Design, LLC Firm Overview from Ben Falk on Vimeo. Whole Systems Design, LLC Firm Overview from Ben Falk on Vimeo. A visual overview of some of the work Whole Systems Design performs in Vermont, New England and abroad. Enjoy and check us out at www.wholesystemsdesign.com for more information. 6. Eight Forms of Capital and Regenerative Enterprise with Ethan Roland– If you haven't read Regenerative Enterprise by Gaia University Graduates Ethan Roland and Gregory Landua, I encourage you to do so after this episode. This show outlines the conceptual viewpoint of the eight forms of capital, of which financial is only one. I'll let Ethan explain how this simple formula for viewing the world makes all of your work, whether it is volunteer work at a food bank, growing your own food, traveling, or reading books, as contributing to your wealth as a human being. [caption width="500" align="aligncenter"] Reprinted with permission from The Permaculture Podcast. The Eight Forms of Capital infograph.[/caption] 7. Responsible Business, Responsible Entrepreneur with Carol Sanford– Fast on the heels of the Eight Forms of Capital episode, Carol Sanford takes the concepts of Regenerative Entrepreneurship to new heights with responsible entrepreneurship being her twist on the subject. She speaks about ethics-driven corporations and right relations business practices that make for truly regenerative business ventures. 8. Natural Building and ThePOOSH.org with Eric Puro– It was a pleasant surprise to hear my friend and new world colleague speak about how natural building changed his life and how, by searching craigslist for free land and buying a couple books, he and his friends built their first earth ship from all natural and up-cycled materials. Eric speaks about an ecovillage tour of Europe, starting a web platform, natural building with no power tools, and meeting people where they're at in any type of work that cares for the earth, community, and oneself. Visit ThePOOSH.org to start or join a natural building project today. [caption width="500" align="aligncenter"] Reprinted with permission from The Permaculture Podcast. The Poosh.org ‘s first naturally constructed home in Oregon on land they found through craigslist. Find out more: thepoosh.org[/caption] 9. Economic and Financial Collapse with Nicole Foss– This talk with Nicole Foss, founder of Automatic Earth, on building community resiliency at a time where growth is coming to its limits, has inspired me to take my commitments of local action further. In a society where infinite growth is assumed possible, and even necessary, this exhaustively researched and academically referenced talk about Economic Collapse asks the listener to think about how they would live if energy and fossil fuels ran out today. Would you live? What necessities of life would you have secured from within your home or bioregion. Which neighbors do you know enough to collaborate with to stay healthy? Would you have any food or water if exports stopped immediately? I've been thinking a lot about this topic lately, and relocalization of my physical needs to survive has become a relatively high priority. By making deep relationships with local farms, finding a local spring, and planting fruit trees today, we can buffer the effects of economic collapse by building a thriving community where we live. 10. Urban Permaculture in Baltimore, Maryland – The final episode I've chosen goes deep. It begins with the stories and backgrounds of Eric and Victoria, the founders of Charm City Farms. While Eric's background story is brief, Victoria's is as authentic and genuine as it is lengthy. She speaks about her path as a visual artist and student, growing up in Georgia and being completely enthralled with nature, and reading depth psychology authors such as Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell to help her make sense of her life. She also gives history on her herbalism and permaculture studies. Victoria gives the listener a relatable and cherishable story of her struggles, her darkness, her challenges, and tells the story of her life's transformation through permaculture and urban community development. After listening to the work of Eric and Victoria just a couple days ago, I've been inspired to make changes in my place, as they have, and decided not move to the big progressive cities where movements are already so large and prominent (like Boulder, Brooklyn, Austin, Portland, etc). Eric and Victoria grew the first public urban food forest in Baltimore (and they are already starting to plan their second). They do primitive skills workshops in the middle of the city, and they do the inner work that is so essential to truly help people in underprivileged communities. This inner work is particularly essential in order that change agents may be in right relations, or as Victoria says, “do right by” the community they serve. It is easy to want to go to places where the large movements are already happening to do this work, but if everyone does this, the rest of our country will remain stuck in the old story, and underserved communities in the places people have left behind will stay this behind. I'm not saying that we shouldn't travel, learn new skills, meet new people, and gain new perspectives, but when it comes to setting roots in the ground, consider a place that truly needs changemakers, as Eric and Victoria did with Baltimore. [caption width="500" align="aligncenter"] Reprinted with permission from The Permaculture Podcast. Urban Food Forest in Baltimore, Maryland.[/caption] These are the conversations that give educational and experiential capital far beyond return for the financial capital of supporting the podcast if it is truly in your means. I supported the show recently, and I will say that for as much educational and experiential capital that Scott Mann is giving away each week (for only the $261 that he is getting on his crowdfunding platform per month) it is clear that he truly is doing really great work for the world, for community, and within himself. You can also help spread the wisdom and education of permaculture by sharing this article or www.thepermaculturepodcast.com with your friends. What are your 10 favorite episodes of the show? What inspiration or knowledge did you gain from them? I'd love to hear from you. Email: The Permaculture Podcast Write: The Permaculture Podcast The Permaculture Podcast

My guest today is Ben Falk. Ben is a really incredible permaculture designer with a comprehensive focus. Ben runs a planning firm called Whole Systems Design. Through this firm, he "identifies, designs, and develops human habitats - landscape and infrastructure systems - that yield perennial abundance and enduring value. These are adaptive, resilient and secure places in a future of peak oil, climate instability, and deepening economic insolvency." They also "plan, develop, and manage land-based wealth preservation and security projects for those with the forethought to invest an abundance of present day resources to reduce their familly's vulnerability to future food, energy and other supply-chain disturbances, as well as peak-oil, climatic, economic and other events." The interview covers a variety of topics, including: Ben's path from architecture to comprehensive design. How to approach personal lifestyle design from a systems mindset. How to prioritize needs and investment. How he heats his house, heats his water, cooks his food, and dries his clothes in Vermont with a very small amount of wood. How he grows 80 to 90% of his food intake. My favorite quote from the interview: "Don't fight something that's wrong. Make a new system that makes the old system obsolete." Enjoy! Joshua Links: Whole Systems Design The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Approach by Ben Falk

Ben Falk from Whole Systems Design, LLC joins me talk about permaculture design and what he has learned on his research site over the years. He talks about how to break into the business as a designHe touches on cold climate infrastructure and heating with wood. And he goes into his thoughts on designing a property and why it's important to understand the land's capability and how you should relate that to your goals. We also spend some time talking about the mass selection of plant genetics for a site, stressing the importance of over stacking the system in the beginning to see what works and what doesn't. Key Takeaways: Get some experience working with the land and systems before you start designing properties as "a designer." You can reduce your wood usage by 30-40% by drying wood well versus haphazardly drying it. Cold humid climates have a low tolerance for bad moisture detailing in structures. When designing a home detail carefully to keep the home dry and get water out. Grow tree multi-purpose tree species for fuel wood. Consider black locusts - fixes nitrogen, fast grower, rot resistant wood, good fuel wood, and makes great saw logs. Have goals but understand the land's capability so you can adjust those goals as needed. Don't fight against the land's tendencies and capabilities, work with it, not against it. Most people have more land than they can manage well. Moving down in acreage might be advantageous. It is better to manage 5 acres right than 100 acres wrong. Most people can have most of their needs met on 5-10 acres. Unless you have a commercial aspect or grazing component. Have a good access plan for your site. Don't box yourself out. Start and maintain a clear access pattern which is based on the water flow throughout the site. For site selection general location and access are a quick way to filter down a list of a lot of properties. Then look to the Keyline Scale of Permanance. Consider water security and controlling as much of a watershed as you can. Focus on manageability with regards to plantings. Plant based on water access with on contour swales. Not all permaculture techniques will work on all sites. So don't expect that. Practice the mass selection of genetics. Identify the best genetics from your site by growing trees from seed. Plant as many tress as you can on a site, way closer than you would ever imagine, and cut out the ones that don't do well. Use the first 3-5 years on a site to learn what does well. Years 5-10 are when you focus on plants and families that really want ot grow on your site - microclimate - aspect - soils. And there is no way to know which ones will work unless you start putting a lot of plants in the ground. Show Notes: www.permaculturevoices.com/27

Today will be an interview with Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design. Ben developed Whole Systems Design as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and backcountry traveler continually informs Ben’s integrative approach to developing landscapes and buildings. His home landscape and the WSD studio site in Vermont's Mad River Valley serve as a proving ground for the innovative land developments featured in the projects of Whole Systems Design. Ben has studied architecture and landscape architecture at the graduate level and holds a master’s degree in land-use planning and design. He has taught design courses at the University of Vermont and Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum as well as on permaculture design, microclimate design, and design for climate change. He recently served on the Board of Directors at the Yestermorrow Design-Build School and teaches there from time to time. Ben latest book, The Resilient Farm and Homestead can be purchased on his website.